The Ford Motor Company

We are all unfortunately aware of the difficulties and challenges faced by the American automobile industry. From a position of national and international leadership, our Big Three (General Motors, Ford and Chrysler) of the American auto industry has lost its competitive edge to auto companies in Japan, Korea, and Germany. This did not happen overnight. Gradually our auto companies became very bureaucratic, staid in their approach to product development and quality, and these factors finally impacted their ability to compete with companies that stressed innovation, quality and service.
When the financial crisis of 2008 precipitated the recession, many American companies were looking to the U.S. Government for assistance. General Motors is now owned by the government and the American public (hopefully only on a temporary basis) and Chrysler is still struggling to survive. Ford is the exception as they did not ask for nor did they receive financial aid from the government. Some say they actually saw the trouble coming and refinanced well ahead and avoided the problems encountered by both General Motors and Chrysler.
Using the resources found under the Research Toolbox https://learn.vccs.edu/courses/549117/pages/research-toolbox (remember that you also need to conduct outside research on your own), research the history and details that lead Ford to foresee the coming financial crisis. Analyze the management style and decisions as well as the leadership traits displayed by Ford management that allowed them to avoid the fate of General Motors and Chrysler. As you conduct your analysis, consider the following:
Look at the options available to Ford and the reasons behind the decisions they made based on the leadership guidance from management.
Analyze why they decided they did not need or did not want government assistance.
I realize that you will not be able to assemble a complete picture of the details during the time of challenge and crisis at Ford. However, from the information you have uncovered, you should be able to develop your own theory on how the discussions at Ford proceeded, and the reasons behind their decisions.
Post you analysis and conclusions to the Ford Motor Company

Full Answer Section Ford's Management Style and Decisions That Avoided the Fate of GM and Chrysler Ford Motor Company was one of the few American automakers that avoided bankruptcy during the 2008 financial crisis. There are a number of factors that contributed to Ford's success, including its management style and decisions. Management Style Ford's management style was characterized by a focus on efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Under the leadership of CEO Alan Mulally, Ford implemented a number of changes that helped the company become more competitive. These changes included:
  • Reducing bureaucracy and streamlining operations
  • Investing in new technologies
  • Developing more fuel-efficient vehicles
  • Focusing on customer service
Decisions Ford also made a number of key decisions that helped the company avoid bankruptcy. These decisions included:
  • Refinancing its debt in 2006
  • Selling off non-core businesses
  • Investing in new markets
  • Developing a strong relationship with the UAW
Why Ford Did Not Seek Government Assistance Ford did not seek government assistance during the financial crisis for a number of reasons. First, the company had already taken steps to reduce its debt and become more efficient. Second, Ford had a strong relationship with the UAW, which helped to keep labor costs down. Third, Ford was able to access capital markets through its strong brand and financial performance. Conclusion Ford's management style and decisions helped the company avoid the fate of GM and Chrysler during the 2008 financial crisis. The company's focus on efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction, as well as its ability to make tough decisions, helped Ford to emerge from the crisis stronger than ever before. Analysis I believe that Ford's management style and decisions were essential to the company's success during the financial crisis. The company's focus on efficiency and innovation helped it to become more competitive, while its focus on customer satisfaction helped to maintain demand for its products. Additionally, Ford's willingness to make tough decisions, such as selling off non-core businesses and investing in new markets, helped the company to weather the storm. I believe that Ford's management style and decisions can be a model for other companies that are facing challenges. By focusing on efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction, companies can become more competitive and resilient. Additionally, by being willing to make tough decisions, companies can position themselves for success in the long term. Post to Ford Motor Company Dear Ford Motor Company, I am writing to you today to commend your management team for their leadership during the 2008 financial crisis. Your focus on efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction helped the company to avoid bankruptcy and emerge stronger than ever before. I believe that your management style and decisions can be a model for other companies that are facing challenges. By following your example, companies can become more competitive and resilient. Thank you for your leadership and for helping to keep Ford Motor Company a strong and successful company. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Sample Solution

Ford's Management Style and Decisions That Avoided the Fate of GM and Chrysler